Difference between Stockings and Tights
Elastic garments to cover the legs have been worn for ages by men as part of the horseback riding costume as well as a key element of everyday royal court wear. Women have also worn these garments, but they were not seen in public as was the case for men because of the long dress covered the legs.
Progress in fashion has made it possible for women to show off their legs, which ensures the popularity of stockings and tights. Manufacturers encouraged by profits, increased the degree of comfort in women’s stockings by experimenting with various fabrics. The modern woman has many options when it comes to choosing colors, textures, weight, materials and sizes.
Definition
Stockings are close-fitting elastic garments which cover the foot and the lower part of the leg.
Tights are close-fitting elastic garments covering the feet until the waist line.
Fabrics
Stockings can be made out of knitted wool, silk, cotton and nylon. Silk and rayon were the preferred fabrics until 1940. After that year, nylon gain popularity mainly due to reduced production costs and efficiency over time.
At first, tights were made from silk and fine wool. Modern fabrics for the production of tights include nylon and cotton to which a certain percentage of lycra is added for increased elasticity.
Aside from the popular fabrics, designers use mixed materials to create unique stockings and tights. They can be embellished with silk ribbons, jewelry or be hand painted with various models. Recent fashion trends encourage women to wear stockings and tights, at least during the colder months.
Use
Stockings are an important part of women’s fashion. They come in various models such as Cuban heel, fishnet, full-fashioned, hold ups, knee highs and many more. Preferred colors are white, brown and black shades, but colored ones have made a comeback in the latest fashion trends. For support, stockings can be attached to a garter belt or they can incorporate an elastic silicone band using stay up technology.
Tights are used for their aesthetic look as well as for leg warming purposes. They can be found on the market in various colors and sizes. Opaque and transparent models are available. Tights can be worn by athletes to reduce muscle strain or injuries. Usually these types of tights are made out of spandex for increased elasticity. Cyclists, runners and wrestlers use them on a regular basis. Some companies have developed special types of tights which are able to redefine the shape of the body. Others have added creams in the fabric for tights using microencapsulation techniques. These moisturize the skin keeping it healthy.
Similarities and Differences
- Stockings are close-fitting elastic garments which cover the foot and the lower part of the leg. Tights are close-fitting elastic garments covering the feet until the waist line.
- Silk, cotton, spandex and nylon are used to make stockings and tights.
- Stockings and tights can be used as fashion apparel. Tights are worn by athletes to prevent muscle strain and injuries.
- People who are affected by leg vein problems are often advised to wear stockings or some type of leg support to improve circulation.
